Considering different communication requirements in complex projects


Oliver Hempel

Different project interfaces require different communication techniques and knowledge of the requirements of the different stakeholders regarding the exchange of information. Treating each interface and each stakeholder the same way will cause irritation and discomfort that lames the project progress. Individual interests as well as mentalities and cultural characteristics have to be taken into account when exchanging information, especially when it is a matter of bad news. Therefore, a project manager should provide several methods to perfectly adapt his communication skills to the stakeholders needs. Some of these interfaces, their special needs, and some rules of thumb of how to handle the communiction to support the process of project integration are discussed in this paper.